Chapter 16

  After a tour of the building, I was finally brought to my room. Amongst whispers of others, as it seemed rumors had percolated quickly throughout the students. Some could not believe my age, others that I had been invited directly to the Headmaster's request, and still others had somehow heard that I knew the Flight Pattern. I'd probably just call it Copter, but that's because to me it sounds like one. I unpacked my bag, and put everything away, and wrote a quick note to my mother. I let her know what classes I was given and that everything was fine. I ended it saying I missed and loved her, and put it into an envelope. I would send it tomorrow, but for now, it was time to rest.

  The next day, I woke up at my usual time. Since I was no longer on the road, I began my normal morning routine. I worked out, cleaned up, got dressed, then went to the cafeteria. I ate a simple breakfast alone on a corner, then began to find my first class for the day. It took me a few, but thankfully, each floor was laid out in a circle, and each class on each floor was clearly labeled.

  I sat down in the back, and listened to the teacher. I had read ahead a bit the night before, so I knew much of what the teacher was saying. She fleshed it out a bit, though, and made it easier for the others to understand. Instead, I started thinking about some things I could try. I wanted to see if it was possible to compress the threads, or a Pattern, to make the effect stronger in a smaller area. I also wanted to see if I could braid Threads of the same type into a stronger 'Rope'.

  I began doodling my ideas in my notebook. Eventually class ended, and I went to my room and began reading ahead on my next class. After I read a few chapters, I tried to Rope some Gaseous Threads into one. I began with two Threads, but they would not twist properly. They seemed to repel each other. No matter how much willpower I added, they would not twist. I was missing something, and I wasn't sure what yet.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  I let them dissipate, and pulled one Liquid Thread out. I attempted to compress it. I pushed my willpower against it, but it resisted me. I pushed harder, but still was not able to compress it. Either my will wasn't strong enough, or I had to think of another way. I would figure it out, though, of that I was certain. Eventually, I went to bed, having not figured out any of my ideas, but certain they could be done.

  Weeks passed, then months. I learned all sorts of Patterns and I could Weave a full Pattern in seconds now. I learned the predominant theory of Weaving, and began learning how to create Weaves in Advanced Threads. How each Thread type interacted with the others. I also learned that my ideas had been tried time and time again, yet no one had succeeded yet. Of course, no one could see the Threads like I could, so I would have an advantage there. I still hadn't figured it out, but I was close.

  The rumors that had followed me from day one, started falling to the wayside after the first few weeks. A few students had tried to befriend me, but right now, I was content to stay a loner and learn as much as I could. School being in a library also meant I could read to my heart's content, which I did, every day.

  It was inevitable, though, that I would decide to do a little exploration of the surroundings. I probably shouldn't have, and in retrospect, I realize it was bad timing on my part, but what's done is done. Had I known what waited for me that day, though, I would have stayed in my room.

  One day, during an off day, I was getting kind of bored and restless. I decided it would be a good idea to go out and see the city a bit. I didn't want to go far from the Academy, though, as I wasn't too familiar with the city at this point. I walked out, locking up my stuff and my room, and headed into the merchant's square a few blocks away. There was plenty to see, and plenty to buy, if you had the funds. I did not, as I hadn't really taken any with me when left home. However, I could walk around and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.

  As I was walking, I heard a cry coming from a nearby alley. At first, I looked around to see if there were any peacekeepers nearby, but could not find any. I looked down the alley, and could not see the end of it, as it curved out of sight a little ways down. I entered, walking cautiously, listening for what I had heard, and whatever it was that made them cry out. As I rounded the corner, I saw a group of people, standing there, talking. There was no one else in the area, but I started to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I started to turn around, but a sharp pain hit me in the back of my head. Before I could see my assailant, I saw darkness.